Factors influencing the usage of HIV testing services by men: a case study of men in Uganda

Abstract

BACKGROUND: UGANDA has a key target set to eliminate the spread of HIV by 2030. This can only be achieved if no more children are born with HIV and no more spread is witnessed amongst adults. Voluntary Counselling and Testing is one of the key strategies that have boosted and contributed toward the reduction of HIV/AIDS in Uganda. However, there has been a reduction in the usage of testing services in the country, especially among men. Understanding the factors that are driving this is key for a correction course to improve on uptake of VCT. The current study investigates these factors. METHODS: The study used secondary data from a nationally representative sample survey by UBOS that was conducted in 2016. This extraction was carried out using STATA version 15. The data was then grouped where necessary and the variables desirable analysed. The analysis was done in phases using univariate analysis, through frequency tables and pie charts: Bivariate analysis using chi square tests was carried out. Finally, multivariable logistic analysis was carried out to assess the determinants of HIV testing amongst men in the past 12 months. RESULTS: Majority of the men had gone for HIV testing with in the past year. The main factors associated with HIV testing in the past 12 months included Education level attained, employment status, and number of wives, number of women previously encountered including the wife, number of partners at bivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, Education, employment status, number of wives (for those married), were significantly associated with HIV testing in the past 12 months. CONCLUSION: Social and need factors were found to affect the usage of VCT services amongst men. Social factors included Education level attained, employment status, and number of wives while need factors included number of women previously encountered including the wife, number of partners. However, geographical and demographic factors were found to bear little effect on the outcome of interest.